Wallan has secured a stunning recruiting coup, signing a local footy legend

Wallan has made a huge recruiting splash, securing the services of a local footy legend with 11 premierships under his belt for the 2024 RDFNL season.

Chris Stewart has joined Wallan. Picture: Supplied

Recruits don’t come much bigger.

Wallan has made a spectacular start to the Riddell District off-season, securing the services of local footy legend Chris Stewart.

The star ruckman arrives after two seasons at Essendon District power East Keilor having previously been a key part of the record-breaking Deer Park team that won seven consecutive Western Region premierships.

The accolades are many, 11 senior premierships, WRFL Division 1 league best-and-fairest, two grand final medals, four club best-and-fairests, 11-time Team of the Year and captain of Deer Park’s Team of the Decade.

Wallan coach Daniel Nolan had no doubt he was one of the biggest recruits the club has ever had.

Deer Park coach Marc Bullen and captain Chris Stewart. Picture: David Smith

“It’s really exciting to have someone of his calibre, his knowledge, experience and leadership at our club,” Nolan said.

“It’s something we’ve worked on for a couple of years as he lives in Wallan, his kids play juniors here, it’s very pleasing.

“He’s come on as a playing assistant so we’ll work closely together and we think he can guide some of our younger players on the big stage.

“Chris has spoken about some of the ideas he has for training, game day and preparation and recovery, it will just be so valuable.

“He’s got coaching aspirations, I think we’ll work well together, and to get him on board is something the club, the players and the community it rapt about.”

Despite a number of players leaving last summer, Wallan remained a power in the RDFNL, trusting its youth and finishing the home-and-away season in second.

The Magpies pushed minor premier Diggers Rest to the very edge in their major semi-final, losing in extra-time by five points.

However, the club couldn’t back up the following week, going down to Woodend-Hesket in the preliminary final.

Stewart adds immediate experience and star power.

Nolan is confident he could be a difference maker next season.

“He’ll probably play ruck-forward, he’s unbelievably fit and strong,” Nolan said.

“To have him and Hayden Gill, that’s a good combination to have, and Patty Mahoney will be back – he was flying in the first four rounds before he went overseas.

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“It gives us a strong spine, we’re quick and can get the ball on the outside and now we have some depth in our height and strength in the contest.

“You look at our semi-final against Diggers, we were up by 16 points at half-time and kicked the first goal in the third quarter, so up by 22 points.

“To play in a draw and then lose by five points in extra-time, it shows we’re not far away.”

The recruiting season has started strongly in the RDFNL with Riddell securing goalkicking great, two-time VFL Frosty Miller Medallist Dean Galea.